Timing of trip to BKK

[Dr Mike]

I thought I had it worked out, if I want to go to BKK on a weekday, time it to arrive early afternoon and the traffic is bearable. Last Friday left a litle before 11, outskirts of BKK about 1pm, then took another 2 hours to get into town, elevated highways all gridlocked. Do you think this is because it was Friday or just bad luck.

[Nereus]

I thought I had it worked out, if I want to go to BKK on a weekday, time it to arrive early afternoon and the traffic is bearable. Last Friday left a litle before 11, outskirts of BKK about 1pm, then took another 2 hours to get into town, elevated highways all gridlocked. Do you think this is because it was Friday or just bad luck.

I mostly live in Bangkok and absolutely try and avoid going anywhere on a Friday. And most definitely do not go if it is also at or near the end of the month.
Last Friday (21st), I had to go to Immigration in Chaeng Wattana and had a good run up, but ran into a big tail back on the expressway heading south just before Rama 4 area, coming on midday. But you really cannot predict how it is going to be, it does not always follow rhyme or reason.

[Bristolian]

I also live in Bkk during the working week.

There are many factors that have a effect on the traffic in Bangkok but without doubt Fridays are always the worst. If a Friday falls close to end of month payday or a long weekend the traffic is considerably worse. School holidays have the reverse effect and traffic will always be less when parents are not dropping off or collecting the children from school.

Add to this mix roadworks and the occasional accident then I agree that you can not predict when will be a good day.

However, whenever possible avoid Fridays.

[moja]

We usually drive up on a thursday and on most occasions the traffice is fine; we try to leave HH as soon after 0900 as possible. Friday is a day we try to avoid at all costs.

[PeteC]

Here's another 1.2 million cars coming, 60%+ of which will probably be in Bangkok on a regular basis. Pete

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... 96599.html

[duan]

I'm thinking of booking a flight which lands at Suvanabhumi at 14.30 on the second Friday of a month but am worried about the traffic from the airport to Hua Hin. If anyone has done the trip from the airport to Hua Hin on a mid month Friday afternoon I would be very grateful to learn how bad it is likely to be.

[Dannie Boy]

Code: Select all

I'm thinking of booking a flight which lands at Suvanabhumi at 14.30 on the second Friday of a month but am worried about the traffic from the airport to Hua Hin. If anyone has done the trip from the airport to Hua Hin on a mid month Friday afternoon I would be very grateful to learn how bad it is likely to be.

As other posters have said, any Friday is likely to be busier than other days especially if you are leaving the airport about 3.30 pm, so would allow about 3.1/2 hours +/- half an hour. Even if it is a long 4 hours, you have the benefit of knowing that once you do reach HH, your holiday begins!!

[richard]

Code: Select all

I'm thinking of booking a flight which lands at Suvanabhumi at 14.30 on the second Friday of a month but am worried about the traffic from the airport to Hua Hin. If anyone has done the trip from the airport to Hua Hin on a mid month Friday afternoon I would be very grateful to learn how bad it is likely to be.

As other posters have said, any Friday is likely to be busier than other days especially if you are leaving the airport about 3.30 pm, so would allow about 3.1/2 hours +/- half an hour. Even if it is a long 4 hours, you have the benefit of knowing that once you do reach HH, your holiday begins!!

Except a third of BK Hi/So's are with you and HH roads will be gridlocked

[Dr Mike]

I wish I had known all this. I have also been told that if you leave before 9 that it is not so bad the BKK Friday traffic only intensifies in the afternoon.

[margaretcarnes]

I wish I had known all this. I have also been told that if you leave before 9 that it is not so bad the BKK Friday traffic only intensifies in the afternoon.

Flight arrival wise it's swings and roundabouts really. Once clear of the ring roads you are going to get to HH anyway - OK it may take a little longer but a pit stop half way always helps IMO and it can't be helped.
But to get to Bangkok from HH by train at a civilised time any day of the week I think it's best to leave on one of the trains early hours - 1 or 2 am - and get into Bangkok before the streets are aired.